One vacancy filled on Peninsula board, one more to go

After being passed up for the current vacant position on the Peninsula Fire Protection District board of directors, Mark Vatcher congratulates Pat Roarty as the newest addition to the team Oct. 30. Photo by Samantha P. Hawthorne

Samantha P. Hawthorne

Staff Writer

11/8/2013

The reluctant departure of Peninsula Fire Protection District board members Bob Phillips and Russ Greenlaw left two empty seats on the board, resulting in two enthusiastic community members applying as replacements.

Peninsula resident Pat Roarty and Lake Almanor Country Club resident Mark Vatcher both submitted letters of interest for the positions.

Although both board members resigned before the Oct. 30 board meeting, only Phillips’ position was available for occupancy. Since Greenlaw officially resigned the evening after the Sept. 18 meeting, the board was unable to accept his resignation until the October meeting.

Following the Ralph M. Brown Act, the district is required to advertise the position for 14 days, as of Oct. 31, before voting on Greenlaw’s replacement.

During last month’s meeting, board members discussed their desire to fill at least one vacant position with another district resident living outside of the LACC. Their intention was to give a voice to the entirety of the district, not just LACC.

When considering the two applicants, acting board president Nancy Foote expressed this desire and asked for opinions from the board. Remaining board members Dennis Mason and Lucy Moore agreed. In a unanimous decision, Pat Roarty was appointed as Bob Phillips’ replacement.

Impressed with Vatcher’s qualifications, the board encouraged him to apply for Greenlaw’s seat. Since he came highly recommended by Phillips, and is also the new owner of Phillips’ old home, Vatcher jokingly said, “I will do anything to get on the board,” and agreed to try again in November.

Information on how to apply can be found on the official vacancy notice, available at peninsulafire.net.